Things to see and do in the park at Fell Foot

View of a calm lake with boats on it and an autumn tree to the right — Autumn at Fell Foot Park on the shores of Lake Windermere | © National Trust Images/David Sellman

Take a leisurely walk around the park and meadows taking in the sights and sounds of the lake. Meet up with friends and family to enjoy the views and get outdoors in the fresh air.

Autumn in the park

At Fell Foot during this time we have four species of thrush – two resident; Blackbird and Mistle Thrush and two migratory; Redwing and Fieldfare. If you’re out on the water look out for 'sawbills' - the carnivorous diving bird Goosander. The reeds along the water’s edge at the south end of the park fade to a blonde colour and provide habitat for insects and amphibians. Waterbirds such as swans, mallard ducks, greylag goose and even herons can be seen.

There are also three species of lichen to look out for – Evernia prunastri, Ramalina fastigata (crown of trumpets) and Plasmatia glauca. Lichens are an indicator of good air quality; but also provide food, symbiosis between species and autumn colour.

Take a moment to sit and listen to the sounds of the park on one of the many benches.
Fell foot is a popular place for visitors. If you come in the morning it can be very peaceful. This can be the perfect time to get great pictures of the morning mist rising over the lake.
With large grassy lawns leading down to the lakeshore and views across Windermere it makes a great picnic spot. There are wheelchair accessible tables. If you run out of food or drink, pop into one of our Boathouse café to top up.

No BBQs allowed on site.

Activities and events

Parkrun during the Fell Foot Outdoor Festival at Fell Foot, Cumbria — A parkrun at Fell Foot | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Walking at Fell Foot

Our most accessible route is the Fell Foot short loop highlighted in orange on our visitor map. It's a short circular walk 880 yards (0.8km) along the shoreline offering far-reaching views north, with plenty of photographic opportunities, especially of the Fairfield Horseshoe.

There are plenty of benches around the park to take a moment to rest and look at the views.

You can borrow an all-terrain wheelchair to make it easier to get around the park. This must be booked in advance. Please email fellfoot@nationaltrust.org.uk to at least 48hrs before your visit to enquire about booking.

Fell Foot Park Short Loop route
This tranquil 1.6mile (2.5km) route takes you around the whole park to the tip of the lake where it turns into the River Leven. The walk is a little more strenuous and takes you to the wildflower meadow, past reedbeds and takes in the heritage buildings in the park. You'll be rewarded with some great views and the chance to spot some rare wildlife such as water rails which are a smaller relative of moorhens and coot water fowl.

You can download the Fell Foot circular heritage trail route.

Things to see in the park

There is a small harbour complex of three piers and five Gothic boathouses, complete with crenelated turrets, arrow loops, doorways and rustic limestone decoration – all designed to be viewed from the lake.

The boathouses relate architecturally to others on Windermere, particularly the earlier and larger example at Wray. However, the extent of the Grade II complex at Fell Foot is among the best in the Lake District. One of the boathouses is now a cosy cafe and in another you can see the Victorian boat winch.
In the pinetum there are California redwoods and firs. There are ancient beech trees and rhododendron that add colour in the autumn and spring. Nearby if you look carefully, you might see hints of where the grand old villa would have once stood on the house lawn.

In the summer you might spot dragon and damson flies around the stream, and toads too!

If you want to see more interesting firs and redwoods, head to Skelghyll Woods in Ambleside where you can see some of the tallest trees in Cumbria or explore High Close Estate tree trail in Langdale.
Our south meadow is now under a countryside stewardship agreement so for a few weeks of the year it will be home to a rare bread of blue Albian cattle.

However, before the cows arrive in the autumn the meadow will be full of wildflowers. Last year we planted 6000 plug plants of different wildflower species including devils’ bit scabious and oxeye daisy.

Our farmer will most likely be cutting the field towards the end of the summer, so it’s best to visit the meadow in July to see the flowers before they are gone.

Find out more about our conservation work in Windermere.

Enjoy a bite to eat and picnic spots

Visit the Boathouse Café for freshly prepared local hot meals and light bites, and of course head to the Ice Cream Parlour and choose from the delicious range of Northern Bloc ice creams. From 3-8pm between 22 July - 30 September look out for a street food van offering wood-fired pizza or mac 'n cheese depending on the day. Find out more about eating at Fell Foot.

There are lots of locations to enjoy a picnic at Fell Foot. In the paddock you will find picnic tables, including wheelchair accessible tables.